AT&T will host a community meeting Tuesday to gather public feedback about its controversial proposal to build a 50-foot-tall cell phone tower at a Palo Alto church.

The company wants to place a free-standing tower on the grounds of St. Albert the Great Church at 1095 Channing Ave. to improve coverage in the Crescent Park neighborhood. City planning officials said the tower would be a “church-like” structure that matches the color and texture of the sanctuary.

But the initial plan submitted in early October was inadequate, according to city planners, who asked for more information about whether the tower could be shortened to 38 feet — the height of the church — or constructed in a way to make it seem less bulky.

The city also required AT&T to host a community meeting.

Though not all residents oppose the tower, some have expressed concerns about its size and others about the electromagnetic radiation it will produce. They fear the radiation could harm residents as well as children who attend St. Elizabeth Seton School on the church’s property.

AT&T and city officials say the project would comply with federal rules governing electromagnetic field levels.

To contact AT&T about the project, call 650-615-6852. Tuesday’s community meeting begins 6 p.m. at the church.

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